Statewide School Vaccine Push Under Way

The Florida Department of Health is kicking off a series of events across the state where students can get immunizations needed for school – for free.

In the first of dozens of events statewide hosted by the Florida Department of Health offering free immunizations for students, the third floor of the Orange County School’s administration building was packed Tuesday with dozens of parents and students waiting patiently for their shot in the arm.

“We have vaccine preventable diseases in this country. We have had outbreaks, such as the measles outbreak in California,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, the director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. “We’re very concerned that ALL children have access to vaccines.”

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Most kids are heading back to school in Florida next week. But before they can sit down in a classroom, many will have to sit down in the doctor's office for required vaccinations or a physical.

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Free back-to-school health fairs help parents who don't have an easy or affordable way to make sure their children get the health care they need. Health News Florida's Lottie Watts followed a family at a recent health fair at St. Petersburg College.

That presents a dilemma for kids from families who are uninsured or underinsured. Lindsey Hernandez and her children have insurance through Medicaid. But that doesn't mean it's easy or convenient to get health care. At a back-to-school health fair last weekend at St. Petersburg College, four of her children got free physicals.